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Is inequality growing? In a magical land inhabited by long lashed, multi-colored Alpacas who love lollipops, rainbows and friendship, there's a yawning divide in wealth distribution ... what's behind the inequality gap?

Adam McKay

ADAM McKAY is an American screenwriter, director, comedian and actor. Formerly the head writer at “Saturday Night Live,” McKay has a comedy partnership with Will Ferrell, with whom he co-wrote the films “Anchorman,” “Talladega Nights,” and “The Other Guys.” Ferrell and McKay also founded their comedy website, Funny or Die, through their production company, Gary Sanchez Productions.
McKay is currently working on Marvel’s “Ant-Man” and a feature-film adaptation of Michael Lewis’ “The Big Short.”

Director's Note

“At least a dozen times as an adult I've found myself saying ‘Why the hell didn't we have an economics and finance class in high school?’ Whether it was being ripped off on credit card rates or not knowing my rights when it came to paying back student loans or even what the Federal Reserve is, I've always marveled at how the one subject we all should know, economics, is the subject most of us are completely illiterate about.

Through the years I've read a dozen or so books, watched all the documentaries and asked a fair amount of questions. And as I learned the rudimentary basics of macro and micro economics I was amazed at how simple the world actually is once you penetrate the language and jargon. But still, most people act as though advance degrees and tweed jackets are required to even discuss compound interest. Or worse yet, most people treat the subject as a complete bore. But as a fan of pop culture I know there's nothing boring about the economy, who runs it and who profits from it. In fact, it's the juiciest subject there is. So when I heard about the WTE project and the fact that Morgan Spurlock was curating it, I knew I was in. I truly hope it's the beginning of a movement to popularize economics. Lord knows our country needs it.”

Quiz

Is income inequality higher, lower, or about the same in the U.S. as it was in the 1970s?

Lower

Higher

About the same

None of these

Income inequality refers to the extent to which income is distributed in an uneven manner among a population. In the U.S., income inequality, or the gap between the rich and everyone else, has been growing markedly, by every major statistical measure, for some 30 years.

Which of the following government policies is most likely to increase wealth inequality in America?

Increase tax rates on investment income

Make it easier to form labor unions

Increase social welfare benefits

Cut or eliminate the tax on inherited estates

According to the nonpartisan Tax Policy Center, raising the estate tax by just 10% could produce more than $250 billion in added revenue over the next ten years. Imagine how much wealthier the wealthy would become if we continue to cut or eliminated the tax on inheritance.